Download - Opportunities to Save Water
Opportunities to Save Water
Colorado Water Workshop – 7.21.10
through Efficient Design, Appropriate Technology, and Effective Management
Saving Water throughEFFICIENT DESIGN
Coordination / Research
• Understanding client needs/project goals• Understanding maintenance intent and
management sophistication• Understanding site conditions and constraints• Pursuing alternative water sources
Designing with Water Use in Mind
Appropriate Plant Selection
Irrigation Selection Criteria
• Evaluation of application efficiency is critical during the design and equipment selection process.
• Sprinkler coverage uniformity is a function of layout pattern, spacing, system pressure, and nozzle performance.
• Using high efficiency sprinkler or drip application techniques where possible
Distribution Rate Curve Data
• The distribution rate curve or DRC:– Shows “single leg” variation in application rate
from the sprinkler out to the full extend of the “effective radius.”
– Single leg profiles provided by manufacturer; third-party testing by CIT in zero wind.
– Design with consideration for Distribution Uniformity (DU) and Scheduling Coefficient (SC)
Manufacturer Performance Data
• Single-leg profile for sprinkler selectionUsing it effectively…
Manufacturer Performance Data
• CIT SPACE algorithm to develop densogram for sprinkler selection
Using it effectively…
60’SC=1.2DU=85%
70’SC=1.4DU=79%
80’SC=1.4DU=74%
Example: Nozzle Selection
Example: Spacing Variation
Saving Water throughAPPROPRIATE
TECHNOLOGIES
Flow Sensors / Master Valves
Weather Sensor Technology
Soil Sensing Technology
“SMART” Controller Technology
Saving Water throughEFFECTIVE SYSTEM
MANAGEMENT
Water Auditing– Evaluation of actual
system uniformity• Ongoing
CONSISTENT maintenance and corrective action
• Develop specific programming parameters based on actual DU and SC
Actual Field Audit Summary
Developed from system audit.
Programming Guideline
Paradigm Shift?
• Managing irrigation systems based on user needs and activity, not solely on “aesthetic perception”
• USGA sustainability position “We need to understand how brown can be the new green”…
• Drought response planning opportunities
Thank You!